Koufonissia Islands the most magical spot in the Cyclades!

There’s no denying that the Greek Islands are the best all round destination; just ask Boatbookings Broker, Lambros, who has cruised all over the world! Combining cosmopolitan places like Mykonos and Santorini, thousand of stunning beaches scattered in the hundreds of islands, unspoiled sceneries & islands which are still preserved in the face of tourism, Greece has so much to offer.

KoufonisiaSomewhere for you to visit in Greece? The Koufinisia Islands.  This group of 2 islets, situated to the South-Easter of Naxos islands, lie just 40 nautical miles from uber-popular Mykonos. Continue reading

Off the Beaten track in Greece Onboard Luxury Crewed Catamaran NOVA

Let’s talk about Greece! Despite what you may have been led to believe, Greece is not all about Santorini or Mykonos.  With one the largest coastlines amongst all the Mediterranean countries, Greece offers a surprisingly extended choice of destinations.

2926brochure11

Untitled 1

 

 

 

 

 

Lambros Tsolakis, one of the Boatbookings’ Brokers, just returned from a late season cruise to Monemvasia onboard NOVA, the only Lagoon 620 based in Greece and has nothing but superlative comments for the yacht as well as the destination. “Nova is a beauty: open, modern spaces inside and out. with a huge fly bridge and excellent sailing qualities; add to this a super crew and you get a remedy for a sure success… Captain Costas, hostess/mate/ubiquitus Dina, and NOVA’s professional chef offer 5 star luxury service to their lucky clients onboard!” Continue reading

Booming! The MYBA Charter Show 2014 Closes with the Yachting Industry Bigger than Ever

The yachting industry is booming. The MYBA Charter Show 2014 in Genoa, showcasing the most impressive yachts on the charter market, has been nothing short of amazing. Not only are yachts becoming  more exciting with indulgent interiors, striking finishes and ever more outrageous water toys, the range of charter destinations is increasing very quickly with captains keen to discover the undiscovered and offer something new and exotic to their guests. LA DEA II’s captain, Mark Hoskins is a key exponent of this new age of exploration as he prepared his stunning 161 foot Trinity for an expedition to circumnavigate the world.

main

LA DEA II is three decks of utter splendour. Providing the benchmark is luxury yachting, she features all that you could desire in a charter. Her salon, complete with grand piano is simply marvellous whilst the bathrooms, lined with rich mahogany and marble are indicative of true decadence.

salon

The huge swim platform is a great place to spend lazy afternoons right by the water while the flybridge is a real highlight. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on one of the massive sun pads, lying back with a book or sipping on champagne in the jacuzzi, you will feel like you’ve arrived at the pinnacle of luxury.

jacuzzi

While LA DEA II is off discovering new and exciting destinations, luxury yachting in Greece continues to hit new heights. Chartering in unknown regions of the South Pacific is undoubtedly an exciting new development but there remains a lot to be said for cruising around the stunning Cyclades and indulging yourself in Santorini.

santorini

New legislation has decreed that non-EU registered yachts no longer need a license to charter in Greece meaning that the selection of charter yachts in Greece is bigger than ever. In addition to that the 10% luxury tax previously imposed on pleasure yachts has been abolished, leaving only the 6.5% VAT on week long charters in the Aegean.

 Greek-Flag-on-the-ferry-toward-Poros-island

 Yacht charter in Greece is now more accessible than ever. To find out more about chartering, please don’t hesitate to contact the Boatbookings team.

Dodecanese Islands – The Ulimate Greece Yacht Charter Itinerary.

Symi_Yacht_Charter_128_248

The Dodecanese Islands lie in a crescent chain along the Asian Turkish coast curving west towards Crete, and are suited to both motor and sailing yacht charters. A Dodecanese yacht charter vacation caters to a wide audience, they have rustic and rugged landscapes, clear blue ocean stretches and they are considered generally to be less touristy than the Cyclades and other parts of Greece. They are an eclectic mix of fantastic sailing destinations, enriched by a unique culture and turbulent history with each invading civilisation leaving their mark behind, be it the Persians, Athenians, Romans or Venetians.

What’s more, with over 150 smaller islands of which only 26 are inhabited, there is a wealth of interesting areas and destinations to sail around on your luxury yacht charter that will provide something for everyone. Here is a suggested 7 day itinerary for chartering in the Dodecanese islands.

See here for more information on the Dodecanese islands.

Day 1: Embark from the island of Kos – one of the largest islands in this group, leaving behind  the stunning Nerantziá Castle at the entrance of the port. Start off slowly and head 15 nautical miles (nm) towards Kalymnos and Vathi Port or the Pserimos anchorage using the water toys you have on board to cool off in the azure blue Mediterranean waters.

Kos_Greece_yacht_charter_126_244

Day 2: From Kalymnos after having prepared a delicious breakfast, cruise 16 nm north towards Leros and Ayia Marina, taking in the sights and sounds of Greece and perhaps stopping off at one of the many golden beaches on the way and eating at a classic Greek taverna for some traditional food.

Leros

Day 3: After admiring the magnificent castles such as Brouzi and Castle of Panayia or the ancient churches scattered all over the island head out and swim in the many deep indented bays and go diving and explore the many shipwrecks on the seabed. Cruise towards the beautiful small island of Agathonisi also known as Gaidos (donkey) and anchor at Agios Georgios Port.

Day 4: Raise anchor and charter just 13nm from beautiful Agathonisi to Arki – Marthos islet and stop off in Augusta port for lunch and a swim. Then head out to Patmos island and Skala port that is just 10nm away to admire the spectacular beauty on offer. It was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 and a “Holy Island” by the Greek Parliament in 1981 and its traditional Greek atmosphere will provide charterers with an opportunity to relax and and replenish your energy in serene surroundings.

Day 5: On day 5 sail to Telendos or perhaps Emborios on Kalymnos Island which is 26nm from Arki.

Day 6: Sail past the west cape of Kos island to Palon or Mandraki port on Nisyros to visit the famous mephitic fumaroles and stop off again at some of the secluded coves and bays to really appreciate the unmissable natural beauty on offer. However if you are looking to really let your hair down the island of Kos is the place to do this in the Dodecanese islands. Check out the wide variety of clubs and bars on offer, particularly in Kos town.

Nisyros
Nisyros island – Sramo – https://www.panoramio.com/photo/32940226

Day 7: On the final day of your weeks charter slowly make your way back to Kos to explore the treats that this town offers a little further.

Here at Boatbookings we are experts in our industry and know the yachts and the destinations like the back of our hand. We will leave no stone unturned in making sure we combine the yacht and the itinerary to ensure you have the very best possible charter.

Discover all that the Greek islands have to offer on board PARIS A

Paris-A

The Greek islands offer some of the best waters for cruising and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the whole of the Mediterranean, PARIS A is the perfect yacht to experience the Greek Islands in style and comfort. PARIS A is a custom built Maiora 35 designed to be as comfortable and stylish as possible.  Built in 2009, she is packed with technology, toys and extras. With 5 luxuriously appointed cabins, PARIS A can accommodate up to 10 guests in ultimate luxury.

Dodecanese

The Greek islands are made up of 2000 separate islands, most of which are unspoilt and steeped in history. Moor off the Dodecanese island group, often referred to as the ‘sunniest corner of Greece’ which includes Rhodes where fig trees and olive groves line the hill sides, concealing ancient temples and ruins. The islands are also renowned for great, fresh cuisine, served up at one of many beach side Greek tavernas by friendly locals, great for lunches or dinners on land, although you may see no reason to ever leave PARIS A and we wouldn’t blame you!

PARIS A is perfect for families or friends as she comes equipped with a huge array of water sports toys, including a jet ski, water skis, banana boatalong with much more. She also has 3 tenders, one of which is glass bottomed, perfect for viewing the sea life of the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea.